Arlington Title IX lawyer
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual discrimination at any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX requires educational institutions to investigate and adjudicate several different types of misconduct allegations classified as sexual discrimination, such as stalking, domestic violence, bullying, sexual assault, and sexual battery.
A student who is being investigated for one of these incidents should consult with an Arlington Title IX lawyer. Although the law has good intentions, educational institutions have been known to apply the law in an inequitable manner. Fortunately, a dependable criminal defense attorney could advocate for a fair investigation and advise the accused student of their best options.
Investigating Title IX Allegations
Investigating an allegation of student misconduct begins following a student complaint. Educational institutions face the threat of losing federal funding if they fail to investigate allegations of misconduct. Consequently, the investigative process could become corrupted, as the committees often feel rushed. An education institution may assign the investigative role to individuals who are not properly trained.
For these reasons, an accused student should consider seeking aggressive representation by a local Title IX attorney. A skilled legal professional could help uncover any errors that might have occurred during the investigatory process.
Navigating the Disciplinary Hearing
Due to Title IX’s funding requirements, the disciplinary hearings that schools use to follow up on allegations of misconduct are meant to serve the interests of the school, not the accused student. Educational institutions must provide a minimum level of due process, but accused students often have significantly less protection than they would in the criminal system. For example, the accused student does not receive a presumption of innocence, may not face or cross-examine their accuser, and may not see the evidence to be presented against them until their disciplinary hearing.
Even when a criminal prosecution ends favorably for an accused student, the college or university could still subject them to a school disciplinary hearing.
Consequences of a Hearing
An unfavorable outcome from a disciplinary hearing can result in a variety of consequences for an accused student. Possible penalties include being banned from student housing, suspension, or expulsion, along with this information being included on a student’s transcript. These consequences can be far-reaching and could even impact a student’s ability to enroll in a new school. It could also make it harder to obtain employment following graduation. Upon learning of a Title IX investigation or being notified of a pending disciplinary hearing, a nearby lawyer could assist an accused student with collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong defense.
Speak with an Arlington Title IX Attorney Today
A conviction for a Title IX violation could have life-altering consequences for a student. Aggressive and competent legal representation is essential and might help level the playing field in a broken system.
If you are facing sexual misconduct or harassment charges, you should contact an Arlington Title IX lawyer as soon as possible for assistance with your legal matter. Learn how you could defend against this charge with a strong and determined legal advocate.
